Abia North Leaders Endorse Governor Alex Otti for Second Term, Pledge to Sustain Good Governance Beyond 2031
Prominent stakeholders, captains of industry, accomplished professionals, and opinion leaders from Abia North Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term in office, citing what they described as his exceptional performance and transformational leadership across key sectors of the state.
The endorsement, known as the “Abiriba Declaration,” was made during the inaugural meeting of the Alliance for Good Governance in Abia State, a non-political and non-partisan group, held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the gathering was convened to discuss ways of sustaining the governance model introduced by Governor Otti and ensuring it continues beyond his administration.
According to him, the group’s objective is to protect and preserve the culture of accountability, transparency, and development currently being experienced in Abia State.
“The purpose of this gathering is straightforward—to ensure that good governance in Abia State is sustained and strengthened for generations to come,” Prof. Mkpa stated.
He explained that the meeting attracted respected stakeholders from all five local government areas that make up Abia North Senatorial District, namely Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi.
Prof. Mkpa emphasized that members of the group are accomplished professionals and successful entrepreneurs who have no political ambitions or expectations of personal benefits from government.
He noted that the participants unanimously praised Governor Otti’s achievements in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security, and public sector reforms.
According to him, the governor’s performance has become his strongest campaign, with many participants describing his administration as one of the most impactful in the state’s history.
Group Adopts Key Resolutions
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders adopted several resolutions aimed at consolidating the current administration’s achievements.
Among the resolutions were plans to mobilize eligible citizens across Abia State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also resolved to support the election of lawmakers from Governor Otti’s political party into both the Abia State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, stressing that legislative support is essential for the administration to effectively implement its development agenda.
In addition, the stakeholders pledged to preserve the governance template established by Governor Otti beyond 2031 by encouraging future administrations to maintain policies that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.
Business Leaders Highlight Infrastructure Impact
Businessman and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens Football Club, Dr. Robert Onyeani, attributed the growth of private investment in Abia North to the improved road infrastructure delivered by the Otti administration.
He revealed that better road networks influenced his decision to relocate both his football teams and hotel business to Abiriba, adding that improved accessibility has significantly boosted economic activities in the area.
Dr. Onyeani stated that stakeholders across Abia North have resolved to work collectively toward Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027 while also supporting the emergence of credible leaders capable of sustaining his development agenda.
Stakeholders Insist Group Is Non-Political
Host of the meeting and prominent businessman, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, maintained that the Alliance deliberately excluded career politicians and individuals seeking political appointments or patronage.
He explained that members joined the movement solely out of concern for the future of Abia State after witnessing significant improvements under the current administration.
Chief Ezikpe recalled that many businesses struggled to survive in the state for over two decades before the current administration, forcing entrepreneurs to relocate elsewhere.
He added that the group would continue mobilizing support not only for Governor Otti’s re-election but also for legislative candidates committed to advancing his development programmes at both the state and federal levels.
Prominent Personalities Attend Meeting
The meeting attracted several notable personalities from Abia North, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria Ken Ahia and Umeh Kalu, Chief Ray Nkemdirim, Chief Johnson Chukwu, Chief Chris Ifesi, Chief Shaka Obasi, Linear Nto Mbah, Engr. Inah Obasi, Prof. Udo Obasi, Dr. Afulike Christian, Chief Okafor Ukaegbu, Chief Eme Kalu Eme, Dr. Roberts Anya Nkata, Kester Ekekwe, Obinna Chigbu, who represented Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), alongside several other respected business leaders, professionals, and community stakeholders.
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The communiqué was signed by Divine Nwankwo, Head of Information, Government House, Umuahia.
